Pope's butler formally questioned in leaks probe

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican says the pope's butler has been formally questioned in the investigation into the leaks of the pope's papers, one of the gravest security breaches in recent Vatican history.

Paolo Gabriele was arrested May 23 and has been held ever since in a secure room inside the Vatican gendarmerie building, a 13- by 13-feet room with bathroom, desk, bed and a crucifix on the wall. He is accused of aggravated theft, and if convicted could face one to six years in prison.

Paolo Papanti-Pelletier, a judge on the Vatican tribunal, told reporters that Gabriele had been questioned by the investigating judge Tuesday morning in the presence of his two lawyers, the first such formal interrogation that could lead to an indictment or the dropping of charges.